So, you’re a developer, you’re ambitious, and you’re dreaming of landing one of the thousands of tech jobs in the EU. It’s a fantastic goal, but it can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start?
As a recruitment agency in Europe that helps beginners every day, we’ve turned the process into a simple checklist. Follow these 7 steps, and you’ll be on your way.
✅ Step 1: Fix Your “Shop Window” (CV & LinkedIn)
Before you do anything, you must look professional.
Fix your CV: Convert your 1-page resume to a 2-page EU-style CV. Add your nationality (for visa status), your tech stack, and details of your projects. (See our guide on this!)
Fix your LinkedIn: This is your #1 tool. Use a professional photo. Your headline is not “Student.” It’s “Aspiring Backend Developer | Python, Django, SQL | Seeking First EU Role.”
✅ Step 2: Build Your Proof (The Portfolio)
For your first job, you have no “experience.” Your portfolio is your experience.
Build 1-2 Polished Projects: Not 10 tutorials. One or two finished projects that solve a real problem.
Put it on GitHub: Your code must be on GitHub, with a clean README.md file explaining what the project is and how to run it.
Get a Live URL: Deploy your project (using Vercel, Netlify, or Heroku). A recruiter who can click a link and see your work is 10x more likely to call you.
✅ Step 3: Understand Your Visa (The #1 Blocker)
This is the most important step for non-EU citizens.
Research the EU Blue Card: This is the main “skilled worker” visa. Do you meet the requirements (a relevant degree and a minimum salary)?
Identify Target Countries: Some countries are easier than others. Jobs in Germany, for example, have a very clear, streamlined Blue Card process.
Know Your Status: You must be able to state “I am eligible for a Blue Card” on your applications.
✅ Step 4: Pick Your Target (Hub & Industry)
Don’t just “apply to Europe.”
Pick Your Hub: Are you a startup person? Look at Berlin. A “Big Tech” person? Look at Dublin. (See our guide!)
Pick Your Industry: FinTech? SaaS? E-commerce? Focus your search.
Make a List: Create a spreadsheet of 50 companies in that hub and industry.
✅ Step 5: Network (The Smart Way)
“Networking” isn’t just “adding on LinkedIn.”
Engage with Recruiters: Find recruiters at a staffing agency in the EU (like us!) that specialize in your field. Send a polite message: “Hi [Name], I’m a Python developer eligible for a Blue Card and relocating to Berlin. I see you specialize in backend roles. I’d love to connect.”
Follow Companies: Engage with the content from those 50 companies.
✅ Step 6: Start Applying (and Be Prepared)
Use the Right Platforms: LinkedIn is #1. In Germany, Xing is also used. Stack Overflow Jobs and regional job boards are also great.
Prep for the EU Interview: They will ask about Git, Agile, and basic security. They will also ask “What are your salary expectations?” (See our guide on how to answer!)
✅ Step 7: Be Patient and Persistent
This is a marathon, not a sprint. You will get 100 rejections. You only need one “yes.” Good luck.
